Golf Podcast: next on the tee

Season 11 Episode 40 Part 2: Wisconsin Golf HOFer Gary D'Amato & Tour Legend Guy Boros Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 40, I’m joined by Wisconsin Golf Hall of Famer and Golf Writers Association of America member, Gary D’Amato, along with multiple-time Tour winner Guy Boros, son of World Golf Hall of Famer Julius Boros.
Gary, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America for over 40 years, has covered every Masters since 1993 and was inducted into the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame in 2017. While Whistling Straits and Erin Hills are well-known, Gary highlights several other hidden gem courses in Wisconsin, a state that often flies under the radar as a golf destination. He also shares stories of playing alongside some of Wisconsin’s greatest golfers, including Steve Stricker, Andy North, Jerry Kelly, and Sherri Steinhauer. Additionally, Gary recounts one of his favorite Masters moments—following Jack Nicklaus as he nearly captured his seventh Green Jacket in 1998—and discusses the book he co-wrote with Packers legend Chester Marcol on the history of the Packers-Bears rivalry.
Guy Boros grew up traveling on Tour with his father, Julius, a three-time major champion who won the 1952 and 1963 U.S. Opens and the 1968 PGA Championship. Julius held the record as the oldest major champion, winning the 1968 PGA at 48 years old, until Phil Mickelson surpassed him a few years ago at nearly 51. Guy also found significant success on Tour, particularly in Canada, where he won the Canadian Order of Merit in 1991. His first PGA Tour victory came at the 1996 Greater Vancouver Classic, which he won by a stroke over Lee Janzen. In our conversation, Guy reflects on how his game seemed to elevate whenever he crossed the border, the experience of growing up around the great players of the 60s and 70s while traveling with his father, and his victory at the Vancouver Classic. He also shares insights from playing in this year's U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club and the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Season 11 Episode 40 Part 1: Tom Patri & John Cook Talk Player of the Year, Olympic Golf, & Money Talking Over the Game...

Tom and I dive into the Player of the Year debate—Scottie or Xander? We discuss whether two majors outweigh one major, The Players Championship, and six wins. We also touch on Keegan Bradley's appointment as Ryder Cup Captain, the significance of Olympic golf, and Tom's recent trip to Sea Island.
John Cook, who has had a remarkable career both as an amateur—winning the 1978 US Amateur and finishing runner-up to Mark O'Meara in '79—and as a professional player and broadcaster, joins the conversation. He shares his thoughts on the topics from the first segment, especially the focus on money versus the traditional values of the Tour. John also gives his opinion on who should be named Player of the Year. We revisit his incredible victory at the 1996 FedEx St. Jude Classic, where he set a 54-hole record on the Tour, and his memories of the 1994 US Open at Oakmont. Additionally, we talk about John's Western Pennsylvania roots through his mother, witnessing Arnold Palmer's final US Open round, and the Cook family's anniversary tradition at Dom & Dom.

Season 11 Episode 39 Part 2: Hockey Legend Darren Pang & Dirty Kurt Bevacqua Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 39, I am joined by former Blackhawks goalie and current broadcast team member Darren Pang, as well as former Major League infielder/outfielder Kurt Bevacqua.
Darren Pang has become a great friend of the show over the years. He is one of the all-time great hockey broadcasters, I am particularly fond of his work for the NHL Network and during the Winter Olympics. Darren is also an ambassador for Miura Golf. In this segment, Panger shares his insights on the Blackhawks draft and the thrilling Stanley Cup Finals between the Panthers and Oilers. He recounts stories from attending the 1997 Open Championship, which Justin Leonard won at Royal Troon, and his return to play the course in 2005. We also hear about his experience playing Carnoustie, the site of this year's Senior Open, his backyard putting green that rolls at 12.5 on the stimp, and what's in his bag these days.
Kurt Bevacqua played in the Major Leagues from 1971 to 1985 for the Indians, Royals, Pirates, Brewers, Rangers, and Padres. Known as "Dirty Kurt" for always having the dirtiest uniform on the team, he shares a story about meeting his childhood idol, Mickey Mantle, during an old-timers game at Arlington Stadium. He also discusses his complicated times playing in Pittsburgh and his wish for more regular at-bats to showcase his abilities. Kurt talks about his relationship with Willie Stargell and the impact Willie had on his career. Finally, we reflect on his 1984 season in San Diego and what would have been an MVP performance, had the Padres won the Series.

Season 11 Episode 39 Part 1: 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch & 1984 National Champion John Inman Join Me...

In part 1 of Episode 39, I am joined by two remarkable figures in the golf world: 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch and 1984 National Champion John Inman.
Finchy and John are among the most wonderful people you could meet in golf. Ian and I delve into his victory at the '91 Open, held at Royal Birkdale. He gives us an inside look at his third round course record 64 (which Jodie Mudd broke the next day). We hear about his eagle on the 17th hole, followed by a birdie on the 18th that tied him with Mark O'Meara going into the final round. We then discuss the five birdies he made in his first seven holes on Sunday, en route to a front nine 29 which put him in control of the tournament. I asked him how he stayed focused in the moment and didn't let himself think ahead to becoming the Champion Golfer of the Year. You'll also hear how his family kept him grounded that week, about his friendship with Mark O'Meara, his close calls in 1984 and 1990, and how those experiences prepared him to win in '91. Ian also shares his thoughts on this year's Open and Xander Schauffele's impressive win.
John Inman was so great earlier this season that I couldn't wait to have him back on the show. We get his thoughts on Xander's big win and discuss why he never played in The Open. We then look back at this year's US Open, John's T14 finish in the 1990 US Open at Medinah, his hole-in-one in the '91 US Open at Hazeltine, and his recent trip to Cleveland to see Ralphie's house from A Christmas Story.

Season 11 Episode 38: Rick Reilly, Has Trump Won 12 Club Championship? Oh Please...and More From His Books Commander in Cheat & So Help Me Golf...

In this very special episode of the show, I get to spend time with the best Sports Writer, Author, Journalist, Screenwriter, and Speaker of this or any other time, Rick Reilly.
We delve into the absurdity of the dumbest debate in the history of presidential debates. Rick reveals how Trump claims to have won 12 Club Championships, often declaring himself the winner even when he wasn't present. We also revisit Erik Compton's remarkable runner-up finish in the 2014 US Open and hear about Greg Norman's impressive driving skills during the Memorial Tournament a few years ago—though not with a golf club.
Additionally, Rick shares a hilarious story of four players each thinking they made a hole-in-one on the same hole on the same day at Lahinch. Finally, he settles the long-standing debate of who is the greatest of all time (GOAT): Jack or Tiger.

Season 11 Episode 37 Part 2: More Open Conversation & Stories with Jay Delsing + US Kids Masters Teacher James Hongs Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 37, I am joined by former UCLA two-time All-American and Tour Pro Jay Delsing, as well as US Kids Golf Lifetime Master Teacher James Hong.
Jay kicks things off with an entertaining story about previous guest Mark Calcavecchia. He then shares his experience playing in the 1985 Open Championship at St. Andrews, where he stayed until the dramatic conclusion when Constantino Rocca holed a miracle putt from the Valley of Sin to force a playoff with John Daly, which Daly ultimately won. Jay was also in the group behind Arnold Palmer, who was playing his final Open. He witnessed "The King" wave goodbye to the patrons from the Swilken Bridge and on the 18th green. Jay also shares his pick to win this year's Open and discusses the honor he received from the St. Louis Children's Miracle Network. Jay is wonderfully positive and a joy to talk to. Be sure to check out Jay's great show, Golf with Jay Delsing, anywhere you get your podcast content.
James Hong comes highly recommended by Tom Patri and Jeff Smith. Jeff insisted, "You've got to have this guy on the show," while Tom described him as "absolutely one of the best Junior Instructors in our game." James certainly lived up to these accolades. We delve into his journey in golf, his early desire to play catcher in baseball, and how that influenced his teaching career. He explains how he sets proper expectations for his students and their parents, keeps young players engaged, and shares tips for improving our short game at home. Give James a follow on Instagram @jameshonggolf.

Season 11 Episode 37 Part 1, Open Insights, Experiences, & Stories from Tom Patri & Mark Calcavecchia...

In Part 1 of Episode 37, I'm thrilled to be joined for the 100th time by Tom Patri, along with a special return visit from the 1989 Open Champion, Mark Calcavecchia.
Tom Patri and I kick things off by reflecting on last week's Scottish Open and Robert MacIntyre's impressive victory. We also discuss the ISCO Championship and the close call for Pierceson Coody, a rising star Tom has been touting. Tom shares his experiences playing at Royal Troon and offers a valuable putting lesson on how to get the ball rolling end over end instead of skidding for the first few feet.
Mark Calcavecchia returns to share memories from his triumph at the 1989 Open Championship, held at this year's venue, Royal Troon. He discusses the challenges of the 123-yard 8th hole, famously known as The Postage Stamp, and recounts his long par save on the 11th hole, the slam dunk chip shot he made on the 12th that shifted his mindset, and what it felt like standing over a 7-footer on the final playoff hole with three putts to win. Mark also shares his prediction for who will be holding the Claret Jug this Sunday afternoon.

Season 11 Episode 36 Part 2: Self Taught +3 Handicap Jeremy Jean-Marie & All-Time Great Writer, Host, & Interviewer Damon Hack Join Me...

In Part 2 of Episode 36, I am joined by Jeremy Jean-Marie, a self-taught +3 handicap, and Damon Hack, one of the most renowned writers, hosts, and interviewers in the world of golf.
Jeremy Jean-Marie started playing golf at the age of 20, and he embodies what practice and dedication can help you achieve. While it often takes many of us a decade to progress from being awful to just bad, Jeremy has become an elite player during that time. You'll hear about his journey, his experiences in Minor League Golf tournaments, and his tips for how you can prepare for and hit better shots from tee to green.
Damon Hack is well-known for his years as a host on The Golf Channel. He has also written for Newsday, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. In this segment, Damon shares his recent experience interviewing players at the US Open, including thoughts on Bryson's remarkable bunker shot on the 18th and Rory's heartbreaking moments. We also discuss his views on the prolonged merger negotiations between the PIF and the PGA Tour, Keegan Bradley's appointment as US Ryder Cup Captain, and Scottie's historic run.

Season 11, Episode 36 Part 1: All-Army Golf Champion Jonathan Shuskey and One of the Stars of the Movie Playing Through Julie Rae Join Me...

In Part 1 of Episode 36, I am joined by Jonathan Shuskey, a 20-year Army veteran, three-time Fort Benning Club Champion, and 2013 All-Army Champion, as well as Julia Rae, an actress, singer, dancer, writer, and one of the stars of the movie "Playing Through."
Jonathan Shuskey enlisted in the Army the week before 9/11. He shares his experience of sitting in the barber’s chair getting his hair shaved when the planes struck the Towers. We also discuss how his confidence secured him a spot in his first Army golf tournament, some of the excellent golf courses on military bases, his transition to playing college golf after retiring from the Army, and his excitement when Michigan won the National Championship. You can follow Jonathan on social media @j_shuskey1.
Julia Rae is not only a talented actress, singer, dancer, and writer, but she is also a Cystic Fibrosis activist and hero. Born with CF, Julia has battled this condition her entire life. She shares her story of how, late in her teens, her situation became life-threatening and how she managed to overcome it. Julia is one of the stars of the movie "Playing Through," which tells the story of Ann Gregory, the Queen of African American women's golf, who won hundreds of tournaments and broke the color barrier in women’s golf. Julia plays Babs Whatling, one of the main characters in the movie, delivering a performance that makes you root for her character almost as much as for Ann Gregory. Julia also hosts a wonderful podcast called "A Deeper Look," available on most podcast platforms, where she shares her warm, genuine, and vulnerable self. You can follow Julia and her podcast on social media @itsjuliarae and @deeperlookpod.

Season 11 Episode 35, Building a SOLID Foundation, Golf Live's Amazing Next Gen App, & Why Your Handicap is Lying To You...

In this episode, I'm joined by The Confidence Doctor, Dr. Bob Winters; the Founder of Golf Live, Keith Scioli; and our Resident Director of Instruction, Tom Patri.
Dr. Bob makes his regular monthly appearance and discusses the importance of having a SOLID foundation for your game. What does SOLID stand for? He explains it as:
Single-minded
Optimistic
Letting go of score and expectations
Intentional and focused over each shot
Decisive and determined mindset
Dr. Bob also shares insights about a hidden gem course in Ocala, which he says may be the best in Florida.
Keith Scioli transitioned from being a Landman for Southwest Energy to creating the ultimate golf app, Golf Live. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, this app offers real-time live playing lessons with a PGA Professional, no matter where you or they are. Struggling on the range and wish you could get a live lesson right then? Now you can. Keith walks us through the app's features, including the soon-to-be-added swing data integration, making it feel like you're in a simulator with your coach, even if you're just hitting into a net in your backyard.
Tom Patri is back, and this week we discuss more missed short putts on tour. At least this time, the player didn't avoid the media and fans. Tom also explains why your handicap might be misleading if you play most of your rounds on the same course.